Sunday, September 23, 2012

A strong crew of 16 made a huge difference on the Big Tree trail and Hidden Valley. A big thanks to Lisa, Martha, Hollie, Richard, Alex, Tom, Trisha, Amber, Jim, Andy, Michael, Scott, Gardner, Greg and Cindy for your time and energy!

Hollie and Richard did a great job leveling the Big Tree trail, joined by Andy and Michael.

Meanwhile, Scott and Gardner did some trail repair, repurposing some of the demolition debris from Hidden Valley.

Greg, Cindy, Trisha and Tom continued separating out the salvageable materials from the wood waste from the old barn -- a hot job in the sun.

Hidden Valley ivy no longer strangles some trees or covers part of Wildcat Creek's stream banks. Amber, Lisa, Jim, and Alex, joined later by Tom, Andy, and Michael cleared out several patches of ivy, first hacking a path to the area through the brush, and creating a monster pile of ivy waste.

We appreciate your help maintaining the Preserve and improving Hidden Valley!

When: meet at the top of the driveway to Hidden Valley, near the Kitsap Cabin, at 10 am. If you come late, please walk down the driveway and ask for Mindy. We'll work until about 4 pm, or earlier depending on energy levels and progress.

What to bring: Work clothes, leather gloves, boots, snacks, water, sunscreen, and any tools you have.

Tools we could use: hand clippers, shears, handsaw, pick, shovel

Bring yourself and friends and family -- all are welcome! We'll walk out to the Big Tree as well so you will get a chance to enjoy the Kitsap Rhododendron Preserve as well as donate your labor. And we'll say thank you with some Seabeck Pizza around lunch.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Hidden Valley in the spring is all about blooming. There are masses of rhododendrons

A previously unnoticed Tulip Tree,

Bright tulips,

Fluffy pink blossoms on a tree

Bluebells and strawberries

Bleeding hearts

And Forget-me-nots

Fisheries biologists are in the Valley studying the recovering Coho salmon run on both Lost and Wildcat Creeks. These smolt traps allow the biologists to count the smolt leaving the creeks.

Beavers remain active

Even though the last big rain wiped out their dams.

There was some question about whether we would need to replant along the banks but as the abundance of alder saplings proves Mother Nature is taking care of that for us.

And last but not least, the horse tail fern are beginning to open out.

There will be opportunities to visit Hidden Valley and the Rhododendron Preserve this summer. Visit our new Rhododendron Preserve website http://preserveoldgrowth.org/ to learn more about visiting this amazing ecological jewel.